The Science Center

Sometimes vacations are exhausting. Like when you have to deal with hotel reservations on the phone for two hours. When you make an exhaustive list of all the family friendly activities with a breakdown of their hours and costs, and then forget it. When you pile everyone into the car and head out to Grant's Farm to see the Budweiser Clydesdales and you realize it's entirely possible you'll run out of gas from the AC before you make it through the line to park, so you scrap it all together. Exhausting.

But there's magic in the effort. There's beauty in the fascination of everything new as seen from the innocent eyes of your kiddos. There's a sense of wonder as you witness each little personality developing and finding their rhythm. What makes them glow, and become completely immersed in their surroundings.

It never seizes to amaze me how completely different my two oldest gals can be. While one thrives on adrenaline rushes, the other prefers the complexities of science and the intricacies of art. It is one of my greatest joys to observe the way they continue to define who they are and find a space for themselves as individuals. This world is a much better place because they're in it.

 And of course the littlest peanut, who was just happy to be out of the stroller and "helping".

Meet me in St. Louie (at the city museum)

As parents, especially Moms, we're told over and over again that it goes so fast, and you're going to miss it. Soak it all in. Which of course is easier said than done when you're in the trenches of tantrums and eating strikes. But what I haven't heard much, and wish I would, is how awesome it is to watch them fly.

The City Museum is not for the faint of heart. It definitely was not my scene, or Parker's, or Hadley's, or the Mr.'s for the matter. But Gracen was in her element. And while my anxiety was at pretty much an all time high, the sweet baby girl that made me a Mother 8 short years ago was having the time of her life navigating the urban jungle playground.

She was fearless. She was confident. She was free. And it was amazing to watch her.

 

Side note: If you want a great workout, go here. If you want an intense workout, carry around a 20lb human heater the whole time. But seriously, the tula was a lifesaver. You could not bring a stroller in this place.

You can find me in St. Lou-ay (at the zoo)

Every once in a while it's good to get away. Even if no one behaves in the car, we stay up way too late, and the indoor pool turns out to be freezing. Even if they eat mac-n-cheese, grilled cheese, or chicken fingers for every single meal. Even if it was more exercise in one weekend then I've done at all in 2016.

There was unprompted hand-holding, directions were followed, and eyes were filled with wonder. Memories were made, and adventures were had. There was more 'yes' than 'no'. We were together, and that's all that mattered.

 

A word of advice if you're planning a trip to the St. Louis Zoo - it's free so Yay! However, you do have to pay for parking. I would also recommend getting the adventure pass. It's cheaper online, and it includes the kids zoo, stingrays, sea lion show, carousal, and train ride. Which is over $40 if you pay individually, or $10 for the pass. 

I think I'll go to Boston (Day one!)

Every year I certainly make sure to celebrate my birthday. But this year I was turning the big 3-0. So not only did we have a fabulous birthday bash (celebrating all the summer bdays) but me and my sisters planned a celebratory girls trip to Boston.

Why Boston you ask? Why NOT Boston?! I love the East Coast, and had yet to leave my mark on Boston. Originally the trip was planned for July (just a few weeks post my bday) with a trip to Fenway on the itinerary. Well we drug our feet a little due to airfare prices and kind of missed our window for July. So we decided potentially September - hello East Coast in the Fall! But then the heavens opened and all the stars aligned. A perfect weekend in August opened up when... the ROYALS would be playing the Red Sox. DONE. Signed, sealed, delivered. We were in!

And if that wasn't enough of a sign that it was all meant to be, on the way to the airport the amazing people behind Freely Given Movement posted free Starbucks. So with my free iced coffee in hand I boarded the plane. Where the entire plane started to chant 'Let's Go Royals!'. This was one of those moments that are reserved for the movies. It give me goosebumps! It was so surreal. Birthday weekend was off to a fabulous start!

We gathered our luggage and navigated our way to our hotel (a big thank you to the actual navigator - Stephanie, I just happily followed).

We walked around and explored the city for a while, it was absolutely beautiful. And even though we were there for 4 days, I'll definitely be back again.

Once again Stephanie exceeded all expectations with her research and preparations for the trip. So if you're ever in need of a good travel buddy - she's your gal. We browsed Newbury Street (gorgeous), and ate at Shake Shack. Unbelievably good. I don't even know how to describe it that's how good it was. Burgers and chocolate shakes? I was in birthday heaven. Oh and while we were waiting for our food, I found a heads up penny. Of course I instagrammed it with the 'find a penny pick it up all the day you'll have good luck' caption, and then... I FOUND FIVE DOLLARS. I'm not even joking. Again - this day just kept getting better and better!

After a little more wandering, we ended up starting a mini pub crawl and watching the Royals game. Also - a note for next time, I should've just worn Royals stuff all weekend. But anyways. The Royals bit it big time that night, so I'm pretty thankful we didn't have tickets for Friday night's game. Despite the loss, the drinks were delish (give me ALL the sangria margaritas!!). But after stuffing my face with burgers and shakes and traveling all day, the mini pub crawl was cut short and we headed back to the hotel for the night. #oldpeopleproblems

Stay tuned for Day Two!